IgA nephropathy is a kidney disease that occurs when abnormal IgA proteins are produced by the body and are deposited in the filters (glomeruli) of our kidneys. IgA proteins (or IgA immunoglobulins) are proteins that are made by our immune system to fight infections.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a collection of many types of kidney disorders characterized by scarring of glomeruli, which are tiny filters in the kidneys that help remove waste and excess fluids from the blood.

When kidneys become unhealthy over time, it can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). There are many causes of CKD, but the more common ones include long-standing diabetes, high blood pressure (some may argue that high blood pressure is the result of kidney disease), inflammation of the filters of the kidney, obesity, heart disease, some familial or genetic conditions, excessive use of certain medications (like anti-inflammatory medicine), etc. 

Alport syndrome is caused by genetic disorders affecting the kidneys, ears,  eyes, and the vasculature. It is caused by inheriting certain genes responsible for producing collagen, which provides structural support to certain tissues in the body, including the tiny filters in the kidneys called glomeruli.

Informed consent is a process through which potential participants learn about a clinical trial in detail and voluntarily decide whether to join. It is designed to protect participants by ensuring they have all the information they need to make an educated decision about their involvement.

Clinical trials are crucial in advancing medical science, yet many people hesitate to participate due to misconceptions.